Election over, it's time for Illinois Democrats to clock in

When Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a stopgap spending plan over the summer, he made it clear that he believed a bipartisan budget and reform agreement could be reached after the election.

The clock is ticking. The bridge-to-reform spending plan is set to expire at the end of December.

Fortunately, Rauner has already redoubled his efforts post-election to reach a bipartisan deal that will help bring back Illinois. On Thursday, he called for a four-leaders meeting, again signaling a willingness to work across the aisle to enact a budget alongside much-needed reforms.

What's unclear is whether Democrats are ready to join with the GOP to reach a compromise solution.

In an election night statement, Speaker Mike Madigan doubled down on the same tired talking points that led to his party losing seats. And Rep. Lou Lang, a top deputy to Madigan, said Wednesday that Illinois may go four full years without a budget.

That is not acceptable—and voters will take it out on the Democrats again in 2018 if it proves to be true.

Smart Democrats will come to the negotiating table with open minds and a genuine desire to get things done.

By handily breaking Madigan's supermajority, even as Hillary Clinton and Tammy Duckworth won statewide by significant margins, the voters signaled that they want legislators to pass a budget with reforms—and they blame Madigan for blocking all of it.

As a result, Madigan lost four seats, including two of his top lieutenants—Rep. John Bradley and Rep. Kate Cloonen. Democrats spent over $4.5 million on those two races alone, but voters at the local level understood the connection between their local legislator and empowering Madigan.

Both Democrats and Republicans embraced term limits on the campaign trail. Both Democrats and Republicans campaigned on redistricting reform. Both sides demanded property tax reform and measures to grow our economy. Everyone believes we must finally and honestly balance the budget.

There is room for compromise between Rauner and Madigan, but only if the speaker will put brinkmanship aside for the good of Illinois.

The people of Illinois demanded change and compromise this election. It's time for Democrats to show they got the message.